Healthy Habits to Keep Your Body Safe!

What are Germs? You may know some infectious diseases. Vaccines and medicines help prevent diseases from spreading. Germs can cause diseases. Germs can live in or on: Dirt Water Countertops Our Skin Our Intestines And in many other places around us When germs find a place they like, they set up a home for themselves (1) Adapted from the Infectious Disease Brochure: www.InfectMeNot.org

Types of germs & diseases Viruses: -Flu -Hepatitis -Chickenpox -Rabies -Common Cold -HIV/AIDS Bacteria: -Salmonella -Tetanus -Tuberculosis -Anthrax -Plague Fungi: -Thrush -Ringworm -Candida -Athlete’s Foot Parasites: -Amoebas -Tapeworms -Malaria Prions: -Mad Cow Disease

How do Germs spread? There are several ways that germs can spread. We catch an infectious disease when we are first exposed to a germ. Our bodies are very good at fighting infections, but sometimes we can get sick. Just because you’ve been exposed to a germ, doesn’t necessarily mean you will get sick. The most common ways people are exposed to germs is through TOUCHING, EATING or DRINKING, BREATHING, and GETTING BITTEN. Germs can be spread through the air. This usually happens when people cough, sneeze, or even by talking. Animals carry and spread diseases. Wild animal bites or even pet and insect bites can carry harmful germs and make us sick. Unwashed fruits and vegetables and foods not cooked properly can also carry harmful germs as well. (2) (2) Adapted from the Infectious Disease Brochure: www.InfectMeNot.org

Things I can do to keep my body safe Don’t Share Personal Items With Others Stay Home When You’re Sick Cover Your Mouth When You Cough or Sneeze! Get Vaccinated! Wash Your Hands OFTEN!